Morning Coffee and Bible

#25 - Ancient Giants: The Nephilim and the Book of Enoch

Giants. We've all faced them at some point in our lives, those seemingly insurmountable challenges that loom large and threaten to overwhelm us. But what if I told you that giants aren't just a metaphor? In today's episode of Morning Coffee & Bible, we're diving into the mysterious and fascinating world of the Nephilim, those legendary giants mentioned in the Bible.
We'll explore their origins, the different interpretations of their existence, and how they might connect to our own struggles. We'll also take a journey through history, rediscovering ancient texts like the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Book of Enoch, and see how these writings have influenced our understanding of the Nephilim. And to top it all off, we'll connect these ancient mysteries to New Testament writings and discuss the concept of Tartarus, the abyss, where fallen angels are said to be imprisoned.
But that's not all. Our hosts, Zach and Brandon, open up about their personal battles and the metaphorical giants they face in their daily lives. From feelings of fatigue and self-doubt to the desire for significance and making an impact, they share their struggles and offer insights into overcoming life's challenges.
So, are you ready to uncover the giants of the past and find inspiration for overcoming the giants in your own life? Join us on this enlightening and thought-provoking episode of Morning Coffee & Bible. Let's go!

#24 - Viral Resurrection: What If Jesus Had the Internet?

Welcome to another episode of "Morning Coffee & Bible" with your host, Brandon Fogal. In today's thought-provoking discussion, we dive into an intriguing hypothetical scenario: What if Jesus' resurrection happened today in the age of the internet? Imagine the stone rolling away from the tomb, Jesus stepping out, and the entire event being live-streamed to millions of people worldwide. Hashtags like #ResurrectionLive, #JesusLives, and #TombEmpty would flood social media, spreading the incredible news instantly.
Brandon explores why Jesus came 2,000 years ago instead of today, considering the fast-paced nature of our society and the power of modern technology. He delves into the historical context of Jesus' time, including the Roman infrastructure and the widespread use of the Greek language, which facilitated the rapid spread of the gospel. Despite the lack of contemporary technology, the timing of Jesus' arrival was perfect according to God's divine plan.
Throughout the episode, Brandon addresses common questions and concerns about the exclusivity of the gospel and the challenges of spreading the message in today's digital world. He emphasizes that God's timing is always perfect and that even in our tech-savvy era, the truth of Jesus' resurrection and the gospel would still face skepticism and opposition.
Brandon also encourages listeners to use modern technology and social media to spread the gospel and make a positive impact. He reminds us that God is always watching and that we have a divine audience in everything we do. By leveraging the tools at our disposal, we can share the love of Jesus and brighten the lives of those around us.
Tune in to this captivating episode to explore the fascinating intersection of faith and technology, and to gain insights into how we can effectively share the gospel in today's world. Don't miss out on this engaging and inspiring conversation!

#23 - This is Not Our Home: A Journey Beyond the Earthly Realm

Welcome back to another episode of Morning Coffee and Bible. I'm your host, Brandon. Today, we're diving into a deeply meaningful and thought-provoking topic: This is not our home.
As I speak to you from the road on a family trip to Springfield, Missouri, I invite you to join me in exploring what the Bible says about our earthly home versus our heavenly home. Have you ever felt that longing for something more? A sense that this world is not our final destination? Today, we will look at what the scripture paints as a vivid picture of our eternal home that awaits us, crafted by God himself.
We'll reflect on passages from Hebrews, John, Corinthians, and Philippians, discussing the temporary nature of our earthly lives and the hope we have for our heavenly future.
As we roll along, I can't help but share the moments of our journey, from the amusing antics of my family to the deep reflections on our purpose and existence. My wife, ever the patient one, keeps me grounded as I tend to go off the rails. But today, we stay on track, focusing on a message that everyone needs to hear: This is not our home.
Whether you're a Christian or not, this message resonates. We were not made for this existence. To understand what we were made for, we look back to the paradise of the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve walked with God. That was the existence we were created for, an existence in the presence of the Holy, the Divine, the Creator.
In the midst of our road trip, amidst the laughter and the occasional delirium, we delve into the scriptures. Hebrews 11:8-10 reminds us of Abraham's faith and his journey to a promised land, living as a stranger in a foreign country, looking forward to a city with foundations whose architect and builder is God.
We also reflect on John 14:1-3, where Jesus reassures his disciples that he is preparing a place for them, a place where they will be with him forever. This promise extends to all believers, assuring us of a home beyond this temporary world.
As we navigate through our travels and the complexities of life, we remember that our true citizenship is in heaven. Philippians 3:20-21 tells us that our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body.
This episode is a reminder that no matter where we are or what we're going through, this is not our home. We are strangers in a foreign land, looking forward to an eternal home with God. So, as you go about your day, remember that you are a citizen of heaven, and your ultimate home is with Christ.

#22 - Keep Fighting: Embrace the Battle with God’s Armor

Welcome to “Morning Coffee & Bible,” where we fuel your faith with perseverance and purpose. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the heart of spiritual warfare and the art of fighting the good fight.
 
We’ll start with the book of Judges, where God intentionally left enemy nations to teach the Israelites how to battle. This isn’t just ancient history—it’s a powerful metaphor for our lives today. We’ll explore how these lessons apply to our own struggles, showing us how God uses challenges to strengthen our faith and resilience.
 
Through the insights from Judges, Ephesians, Timothy, and Joshua, we’ll uncover practical strategies for spiritual warfare. We’ll talk about equipping ourselves with the armor of God, understanding that our battle isn’t against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil.
 
Whether you’re dealing with everyday frustrations or deep spiritual battles, this episode is your call to action. Get ready to be inspired, empowered, and equipped to stand strong in the face of adversity. So grab your coffee, arm yourself with faith, and join us as we learn to keep fighting with God’s strength.
 
Tune in and let’s embark on this journey together—because victory is within our reach when we fight with God’s guidance.

#21 - Atheist Attraction Part 2: Answering Skeptics

In this compelling episode of Morning Coffee & Bible, we dive into ‘Atheist Attraction Part 2: The Aftermath.’ This time, we take a deep dive into the thought-provoking comments left by listeners on our previous episode. We meticulously dissect these comments, addressing the arguments and questions posed with thoughtful and detailed responses.
 
Join us as we explore Paul’s fearless speeches at the Areopagus, where he engaged a skeptical audience with wisdom and clarity. We’ll also delve into his bold defense before Governor Felix, showcasing his unwavering faith and eloquence under pressure. Additionally, we uncover the profound wisdom Paul shared with the Corinthians, emphasizing the power of the Gospel message.
 
This episode is a journey through powerful arguments, timeless truths, and the enduring message of faith. It’s a dynamic discussion that brings ancient biblical insights into today’s conversations. Tune in to witness the clash of ideas and the strength of the Gospel in action. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!”

#20 - A Higher Call: Joining the Lord's Army

In this episode of "Morning Coffee and Bible," join host Brandon Fogal as he dives into a compelling conversation about faith, patriotism, and the call to a higher purpose. The episode begins with a relatable chat about the exhaustion from daily life and the longing for the weekend, but quickly shifts to a deeper discussion about the values that define us as individuals and as a nation.
Brandon introduces the idea of joining the "Lord's Army," inspired by the biblical stories of Joshua, Daniel, and Jeremiah. He discusses the significance of these stories in today's context, urging listeners to reflect on their own lives and the freedoms they often take for granted. The episode emphasizes the importance of being a devoted citizen, not just of one's country, but of God's kingdom.
Through a mix of personal anecdotes and scriptural insights, Brandon explores the themes of gratitude, responsibility, and faith. He shares his admiration for figures like Tim Tebow and connects their perseverance to the larger narrative of standing firm in one's beliefs. The episode also touches on the potential of AI in content creation and the future of digital engagement.
As the episode progresses, Brandon reflects on the upcoming 4th of July celebrations, encouraging listeners to embrace their patriotism while keeping a broader, eternal perspective. He highlights the importance of praying for one's country and being a positive influence in the community, drawing from the wisdom of Jeremiah's letter to the exiles in Babylon.
With humor, passion, and genuine faith, Brandon invites listeners to join him on a journey of spiritual growth and national pride. Whether you're a regular viewer or new to the series, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for living a life of purpose and faith.

#19 - Atheist Attraction: A Deep Dive into Faith and Skepticism

Welcome to another invigorating episode of Morning Coffee & Bible, where we dive deep into topics that challenge and inspire our faith. Today, we're tackling a thought-provoking subject, Atheist Attraction. Join me as we explore the beliefs of prominent atheists like Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins, and Sam Harris, examining their perspectives through the lens of biblical truth. Get ready to delve into the depths of their arguments and discover how we can navigate these viewpoints while steadfastly upholding our Christian faith.
We begin by discussing what "Atheist Attraction" means in this context, focusing on the speaker's personal attraction to listening to and understanding atheists. We'll delve into why the beliefs and eloquent arguments of figures such as Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins, and Sam Harris are so compelling, even to someone deeply rooted in Christian faith.
The episode examines three of the "Four Horsemen of Atheism," highlighting their main arguments and contributions to atheist thought. We explore Christopher Hitchens' debates with Christians, his sharp wit, and his book God Is Not Great. Richard Dawkins' emphasis on evolution and his book The God Delusion are discussed, along with the surprising fact that he coined the term "meme". Sam Harris' focus on the dangers of religious extremism and his blend of scientific views with Eastern philosophy through meditation is also covered.
Throughout the episode, we discuss the importance of understanding opposing viewpoints to strengthen our own faith. The speaker shares personal experiences of grappling with doubt and the value of challenging our beliefs to develop a deeper, more resilient faith. We also touch on the broader cultural shift from atheism to agnosticism and the enduring relevance of these debates in contemporary society.
The episode concludes with a reflection on the biblical perspective, including passages from Romans Chapter 1 and Psalms that emphasize the evidence of God's existence in creation and the folly of denying Him. We wrap up with a reminder that seeking truth ultimately leads to Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of truth and wisdom.
So, grab your coffee, sit back, and let's explore this intriguing intersection of faith and skepticism together. Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, and hit that notification bell so you never miss an episode of Morning Coffee & Bible.

#18 - Every Day Christmas Eve

In this special episode of Morning Coffee & Bible, Brandon is joined by his daughters, Sophi and Bonni, to explore the concept of living each day with the excitement and anticipation akin to Christmas Eve. They delve into how Christians can embrace the joy and hope of the promises of their faith in their daily lives. Through heartfelt discussions and personal reflections, they share insights on maintaining a spirit of gratitude and expectation, making every day feel as special as the night before Christmas. Tune in for an inspiring and uplifting conversation that will remind you of the beauty of living with constant hope and joy.

#17 - The Apocalypse: Revelation and End Times

Sometimes, I think the world has no idea what's about to happen. At any moment, hell could be unleashed upon this earth, and all the cares and worries that we have accumulated would vanish in an instant. The Bible talks about that just as in the days of Noah, when people were marrying and being given in marriage, Noah and his family walked up into the ark, and when the last person got in, then the flood came and swept the rest of the world away.
Picture this from the vantage point of Noah and his family. But also picture it from the vantage point of someone else in this world that had no idea that was going to be the day the depths were going to be broken up and the floodgates opened. I'm sure for all those years leading up to it, Noah probably sounded like a crazy man. But in a moment, the rest of the world saw right before their eyes what Noah had been telling them for years was coming.
Today, I'm joined by my brother Zach for a deep dive into the book of Revelation and end times prophecies. We'll explore key figures like the beast and the antichrist, discuss the man of lawlessness from 2 Thessalonians, and delve into the concepts of a one world government and one currency. We'll also look at the abomination of desolation that Jesus referenced in Matthew 24. Join us as we unpack these profound topics and reflect on their significance today.
We start off reflecting on the intense urgency Noah must have felt and how it parallels to our current times. As we navigate through the intricate prophecies in Revelation, Zach and I touch on the complexity of interpreting these ancient texts and how they apply to our lives now. From the symbolism of the beast rising from the sea to the chilling concept of the mark of the beast, we don't shy away from the difficult questions and the unease these topics might bring.
Despite the heavy subject matter, we emphasize the importance of not living in fear but in preparation. Reflecting on personal anecdotes, Zach and I share our experiences of faith, doubt, and the journey towards understanding. We discuss the critical need to rely on scripture and the guidance it provides in these tumultuous times.
In this episode, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview while acknowledging that much is left to interpretation. We encourage listeners to delve deeper, study the scriptures, and form their own understanding of these prophetic texts. Whether you're a seasoned scholar of Revelation or a curious newcomer, there's something in this discussion for everyone.
So are you ready? Join us on this enlightening journey as we peel back the layers of prophecy and prepare for what may lie ahead. This episode promises to be a thought-provoking exploration into one of the most mysterious and debated books of the Bible.
Thank you all for tuning in. We appreciate your support and hope this episode sparks meaningful conversations and reflections. Stay blessed, and until next time, keep seeking the truth.

#16 - Raising Your Kids to Have Purpose

In this special episode of Morning Coffee & Bible, I sit down with my amazing mom to discuss "Raising Your Kids to Have Purpose." We dive into personal stories from our own lives, sharing the challenges and joys of growing up with a strong foundation of faith. Together, we explore timeless biblical wisdom and practical advice for parents who want to instill deep, eternal values in their children. From the importance of being authentic and real with your kids to fostering an eternal perspective within them, so that they are prepared for the tough times that will inevitably come their way, this episode is packed with insights that can help any parent guide their children towards a meaningful, purpose-driven life. Tune in for heartfelt conversations and valuable takeaways that you can apply in your own parenting journey.